Chapter 16a (Outcasts & Oracles)

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Chapter
 Book Page Numbers
 Topic
 Due Date Discussion
 Facilitator
16a
 143-147
 Outcasts & Oracles
Dan Karo
Oracles:

  • In Igbo villages the oracles are usually female priestesses to a particular deity
  • The oracles would dwell in caves or other secluded areas away from urban areas
  • They would deliver prophecies to visitors seeking advice
  • Oracles claim to know the truth on every matter
  • Oracles are very expensive, so the poor could not afford an oracle’s help
  • Oracles could bestow fertility on a childless woman

Igbo women seeking help from an oracle
Igbo women seeking help from an oracle

Outcasts:

  • If an Igbo helped an enemy destroy the Igbo culture / was a traitor, they would be outcast
  • Sometimes people of the Christian faith will try to convert the Igbo outcasts to Christianity
  • Outcasts were the lowest ranked in Igbo society; they were lower than slaves
  • The outcasts are called Osu in Igbo society
  • They are subject to various forms of abuse and discrimination

A cave where an oracle lives
A cave where an oracle lives




For More Information On The Igbo people visit: http://mccoy.lib.siu.edu/jmccall/jones/